Hardware and Software integration

I recently purchased a 1G Apple Ibook and wanted to know how to intergrate into my current setup:
MPC 1000
Motif 6
Please be as detailed as possible I have no software experience and I want this setup to be as expandable as possible. I want to be able to track my music and be able to drop ruff drafts(vocals included) of songs prior to going to the Lab with good sound quality. I'm not Mr. Money bags so I looking for the biggest bang for tha buck. Peace

you need to get a soundcard or interface. Take a look at the mbox, you wont be able to really track your beats though with out takin alot of time. Um, i would go with something like the Lexicon Omega. I heard it was good and I have heard some stuff thats came from it(sounds good). That comes with phantom power and everything if your planning to use a condensor mic.


i roll wit the delta1010 interface so thats also something to look into but you have to put a soundcard in your computer and i dont think you can do that with the ibook.

i too was trying to incorparate my ibook with my 1000 2 b able 2 do ruff mixes b4 going 2 a proper lab...i was thinkng bout the maudio firewire.....does ne body have ne reference with this product and its quality????

Go to www.osxaudio.com for reviews check the forums

...the maudio firewire stuff has had bad reports on there.

I would like to get a midi and audio interphase in 1 any suggestions? And don't forget the software. Any suggestion or recomendations on that topic? I want to get started on this within the next month so the sooner the better.

Memphlow wrote:I would like to get a midi and audio interphase in 1 any suggestions? And don't forget the software. Any suggestion or recomendations on that topic? I want to get started on this within the next month so the sooner the better.

My suggestion: make friends with your Mac & Music specialist store, you're going to have more questions than we here can answer fully, I'm afraid..!

Interface:
Tascam US-122
Motu 828mk2
Digi Mbox
Digi 002

Software:

Logic
Pro-Tools
AudioDesk
Digital Performer

Maybe some of the other newer USB interfaces. I have a Tascam US-122 and it works for me. Never had any problems with the drivers and I can do location recording with condenser mikes erc. But am looking into the 828mk2 in the near future.

well if it's recent enough, it should have come with Garageband. Which although it has missing many features compared to other full-fledged DAW's, it could easily sufice for your needs.

Personally, having worked and tried several different DAW's I will only now vouch for one: Live 3/4. There are many options and you should consider them all but I found Live's workflow, intuitiveness, learning curve, CPU efficiency and all-in-one (ecspecially in version 4) to be unmatched. Again, this is just what after 5 years have computer recording has gotten me. Others will swear by their own personal favorite but in keeping with you original post, I say Live 4.0.

Good luck! Check out: www.osxaudio.com

actuel

the mbox is good

how can u find out if the labtop u wish 2 hook up with the tascam us 122 with digital performer is equiped well enough for full capabilitys??

i'd ask that question over at OSXAudio. I have DP4 and think it's a wonderfully equiped DAW but it definitely puts a hit on processors. It does have a "freeze" option which gives the processor a little more breathing room. There's a lot of factors to consider.

How many tracks do you imagine you'll need? Effects/Compression/Edits? Does the DAW have an audio editor built-in that'll sufice for your needs? How's the midi handling? Can you get around in it alright? How much do you want to spend? ...and again, the reality check of what you actually need versus gear lust.

The Tascam should work with any of the major DAW's just fine.

DP4 is great program and is definitely capable of working a simple intuitive DAW (i begun on DP3) but is also can flex on a professional level.

JStruMENTAL mentioned the Mbox. I agree, it's a solid choice one that should be considered. I actually find the DP and Protools feel about the same. DP wins with it's midi capabilities and you have to factor that Mbox means you have to use Digidesign's hardware.....b.b.bb.but it is a standard across the intire professional audio community. So your not just learning any DAW, you learning Protools!

Speaking a standards, Apple's Emagic is growing amoungst the audio community at a pretty alarming rate. I have yet to be sold on it but others swear by it. I'd wait and see what Logic 7 is going to be. (also expensive!)

I want sell you on Live 4 again but it is the sh#t. You'll get a good track count, w/ effects, audio edits and midi without taking a huge processor hit. Needless to say I haven't fired up DP4 in quite a few months now.

Good Luck

www.osxaudio.com....post your question there and they will help..

what is the spec on your ibook?

Some people have used pro-tools 6 and ibook g3 with 384mb ram...but it is pushing it.

Best advice is ibook g4 and as much ram as you can afford...preferably max out ram on ibook...640mb or new ones can do much more.

My friend recently upgraded his 17" powerbook from 512mb to 1GB ram and it was a significant speed difference....os X loves more ram

if you have an older G3 ibook you can boot into OS9 and use pro-tools free to record...works good!

im gonna need alot of upgrades 2 run digital performer on my ibook g4 with a 1.2 ghz processor , 256 mb and a 60 gb utltra ata

also its best to use the ibook only for music production only and not for nothing else???